The charming, cheerful, and adaptable French Bulldog is a type of dog that would suit everyone, even people who are about to become dog owners for the first time.
This dog will be happy both in the city and in the countryside, both in the house and in the apartment – the only thing that matters to him is that he is the center of attention and that his owner is always with him!
The Frenchie is a friendly and intelligent dog who, as a rule, does not bark too much. Also, he gets along great with children and, with proper socialization, accepts other pets well.
This dog’s size is one additional advantage. If you want to have a pet but you are unsure if you have space for a giant dog, the French Bulldog would be an excellent option for you!
The first thing anybody can conclude about the French Bulldog’s size is that it is not a big dog. However, when you own a dog it is also essential that you know much more about its weight and height, and about its ideal size for different stages of development.
We bring you a detailed French Bulldog growth chart to help you become an excellent connoisseur of this puppy’s size. Keep reading to discover all the details about Frenchie’s growth and development.
French Bulldog Growth Chart 101
The French Bulldog growth chart shows us the weight range for this dog breed – a weight desirable during certain stages of development.
This chart is general, and the range explains that not all French Bulldogs are equal and do not develop similarly. Therefore, there are weight variations.
| Age (pounds) | Male Frenchie Weight (pounds) | Female Frenchie Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 1.2-2.2 | 1.2-2.2 |
| 1 month | 4-7 | 3-6 |
| 2 months | 9-12 | 7-10 |
| 3 months | 10-14 | 8-12 |
| 4 months | 12-16 | 10-15 |
| 5 months | 15-20 | 11-17 |
| 6 months | 17-22 | 13-20 |
| 7 months | 18-25 | 14-21 |
| 8 months | 19-27 | 15-22 |
| 9 months | 20-28 | 16-22 |
| 10 months | 20-28 | 17-24 |
| 11 months | 20-28 | 17-24 |
| 12 months | 20-28 | 17-24 |
Let’s also take a look at French Bulldog height.
| Age | Height (inches) |
|---|---|
| 3 months | 5-6 |
| 6 months | 7-9 |
| 9 months | 10-11 |
| 12 months | 11-13 inches |
Some French Bulldogs will be bigger than others. A Frenchie heavier than others is not necessarily healthier or less healthy than other dogs of the same breed.
Certain factors affect this dog’s development and weight, and we will discuss them later in the text.
French Bulldog Puppy Developmental Stages
To gain an insight into the French Bulldog’s growth, it is necessary to observe the progress of this puppy from its birth.
If you are considering buying a new puppy, you are likely talking to the breeder about what to expect regarding your future French Bulldog’s size.
You can learn a lot by observing a puppy’s parents as well as his littermates. However, every dog is unique. In addition, various factors, apart from genetics, will influence the development of each French Bulldog.
In any case, a specific Frenchie development timeline gives you a general idea of what to expect from your Frenchie at each developmental stage.
Look at the desirable puppy weight and other essential details of the puppy’s growth at each stage.
A Newborn French Bulldog Puppy
A newborn French Bulldog is dependent on its mother and her milk. If there is a problem with feeding exclusively with mother’s milk, it is necessary to use puppy formula.
French Bulldogs should eat every two hours during the first week of life. If the puppy is progressing well in the second week, feeding it every three or four hours is preferable.
When they are just born, these puppies need to sleep in a warm place, but it is necessary to make sure they are not too hot. The ideal room temperature for newborn French Bulldogs is 83 to 86 degrees Fahrrad.
Newborn Frenchies cannot see or hear, which slowly changes at the beginning of the second week.
There are differences between male and female French Bulldogs, with male Frenchies typically weighing 1 to 3 pounds in their second week, while females are slightly lighter and weigh 1 to 2 pounds..
2 Weeks To 4 Weeks
In the second week, French Bulldogs slowly open their eyes and react to sounds. At the age of three weeks, these puppies can defecate on their own, without the help of the breeder.
These dogs start getting baby teeth at four weeks, and you will notice the first signs of their socialization. So, it is likely that a French Bulldog will play or wrestle with its littermates at this age.
At this age, the weight range of the French Bulldog goes from 2 to 4.2 pounds.
1 Month – 2 Months
When the puppy is around one month old, the transition from its mother’s milk to solid food begins slowly.
This is when the puppies should be socialized with other people, besides the breeder. Also, this is the time for puppy’s first vaccinations.
Regarding weight, a male French Bulldog one-month-old should weigh from 4 to 7 pounds, while females are usually lighter and weigh from 3 to 6 pounds.
Two-month-old male Frenchie should weigh 9 to 12 pounds, while females weigh no more than 10 pounds.
This is the period when the puppy should be ready to leave the kennel and meet its future owners.
3 Months To 4 Months
When your French Bulldog arrived at your home, you immediately became responsible for caring for this puppy.
Caring for a puppy means establishing a specific puppy schedule that you should respect from the very beginning. This schedule refers to the daily routine of feeding, sleeping, exercising, socializing, etc.
When the French Bulldog is about three months old, it is the ideal time to start the potty training. We will immediately warn you that it is necessary to be very patient and persistent here, and at the same time not to frighten your Frenchie, so that he does not get traumatized.
The optimal weight of a French Bulldog at this age should range from 8 to 14 pounds, where male Frenchies are likely to be slightly heavier than females.
At four months, French Bulldogs lose their baby teeth and their adult, permanent teeth begin to grow.
This process is quite uncomfortable for Frenchies, and you will probably notice that your dog is sad or nervous. It is good to start with short walks and play sessions with your Frenchie during this period.
The weight of a 4-month-old Frenchie should vary from 10 to 16 pounds.
5 Months To 6 Months
During this period, you will notice how your little French Bulldog slowly grows into an adult dog. It is also very likely that you will still see stubborn behavior and disobedience in him.
In this period, female Frenchies experience their first heat cycle, and male French Bulldogs become fertile. However, these dogs will not reach full sexual maturity for several months.
The weight range of a male five months-old Frenchie goes from 15 to 20 pounds, while females usually weigh from 11 to 17 pounds.
6-months old male Frenchies weigh between 17 and 22 pounds, while females are usually not heavier than 20 pounds.
7 Months To 8 Months
This is a period of intense socialization for your French Bulldog. This is also the time when the dog should learn to distinguish desirable from undesirable behavior. A pet owner needs to know how to show dominance to the dog here, but at the same time, be friendly towards his pet.
This means that it is necessary to use methods of positive reinforcement, and never punishment, even in moments when the dog shows disobedience. For the dog to socialize as soon as possible, it is necessary to expose it to new environments, new people, and other animals every day.
The weight of a French Bulldog at this developmental stage should be in the range of 14 to 25 pounds.
The dog must be fed high-quality food to maintain optimal body weight. Our article provides excellent recommendations on the best dog food for French Bulldogs.
If you notice that your dog’s weight is drastically out of the desired range, consult a veterinarian.
Minor deviations are usually not alarming, but if you notice that your dog is significantly fatter or thinner than the recommended weight for its age, it may be a particular health problem.
9 Months To 10 Months
This is the period when your French Bulldog should already have an established routine and adopted behavioral habits. However, hormonal changes are still occurring in dogs of this age, so it is very likely that you will notice signs of destructive behavior.
If this is the case, do not panic, as this is entirely normal and this is exactly the best moment to correct any undesirable behavior in your puppy.
Remember that it is vital that your dog gets enough exercise every day, both physically and mentally. When a dog has enough physical and mental stimulation, it is less likely to show unwanted behavior.
Of course, remember that the French Bulldog is a small dog, so it is not advisable to overdo it with daily activities. Finding a balance to exercise your dog enough without exhausting it is ideal.
In addition, by exercising, you will have a positive effect on maintaining the optimal weight of your French Bulldog, and you will reduce the possibility of weight gain. A French Bulldog should weigh between 16 and 28 pounds at ten months of age.
11 Months To 12 Months
During this period, your little Frenchie slowly becomes a real adult dog. By now, he should already be thoroughly socialized, and this is the best time for the puppy to switch from puppy food to adult food.
In terms of weight, an 11-month or 12-month-old French Bulldog should weigh about the same as a 10-month-old French Bulldog puppy, meaning he shouldn’t weigh more than 28 pounds.
What Age Is A Frenchie Fully Grown?
When do French Bulldogs stop growing? When will my dog be a full-grown French Bulldog?
These are the questions every dog owner asks himself at a certain point during his puppy growth.
As we could have seen in the Frenchie’s size chart, these puppies reach their adult size as early as nine months old. Of course, they continue to develop, but many come to their adult weight at this age.
So, while this dog will continue to mature, he will usually not be gaining additional weight after the age of 9 or 10 months.
It is most likely that your Frenchie’s weight will not change much further, but his body will become more muscular as the dog grows. This, of course, goes without saying if the dog has a healthy weight, eats quality food, and if his owner takes care of his regular exercise.
Why Does The Size Of A French Bulldog Vary?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) the French Bulldogs’ breed standard dictates that these dogs should weigh no more than pounds and their full height should be from 11 to 13 inches at the withers.
But are there some factors that affect this puppy’s development? Can we know in advance how big our Frenchies will get?
Well, we can never tell for sure how big a dog will get. However, as we have seen in Frenchies’ weight chart, there are specific desirable ranges for this dog’s weight at all developmental stages.
Also, some factors might influence our dog’s body weight. Let’s look at them.
1. Gender
In some dog breeds, there is no big difference in weight between males and females. As we can see, male and female French Bulldogs do differ in weight.
Generally speaking, male Frenchies will be heavier than females. Some future dog owners consider gender a significant factor when choosing their future pet, therefore, it is good to know that gender is one of the factors that affect the French Bulldog’s weight.
2. Nutrition
Dog nutrition is a crucial factor that dictates the weight of your Frenchie. French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so every dog owner needs to pay special attention to their diet.
Nutrition will also depend significantly on the age of your dog, which means that a French Bulldog who is several years old will have different nutritional needs than a nine-month-old Frenchie.
In general, French Bulldogs should have three meals a day, and you should not leave food available to them outside of their regular meals. The sooner the dog gets used to this feeding schedule, the better it will be for its body weight and for its general health.
Different types of dog diets, such as dry food, wet food, or raw food, all have various benefits for the dog. The key is to choose the one that will be the best choice for your Frenchie.
If you are unsure which type of diet would be the best, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Our French Bulldog feeding chart can also be a great guideline for creating the ideal diet for your Frenchie.
3. Genetics
Like people, dogs inherit a lot from their parents, and Genetics is also essential in terms of the dog’s size.
If you have seen the parents of your future puppy, there is a high probability that your Frenchie will reach that approximate size when he grows up.
However, it does not necessarily mean that every dog will be the same size as its father or mother, but the genetic factor is crucial here. In addition to size, genetics is also important in the general health of the dog.
Therefore, any reliable breeder will immediately show proof of the dog’s genetic testing to the interested future dog owner.
4. Health In General
The dog’s weight can sometimes indicate a specific health problem.
If the dog is obese or has a below-average body weight, it is necessary to check whether everything is in order with him medically.
To take the best care of your pet’s health, you should introduce regular annual veterinary examinations.
If you notice that your dog might be sick, you can also call the vet and describe the symptoms. Based on your description, the veterinarian will assess whether he should examine the dog.
5. Exercise
Not only does your French Bulldog need to eat quality food, he also needs to exercise so that he does not become obese.
At the same time, you must take care not to overdo exercise while Frenchie is still very small, so as not to damage his joints and muscles. As the dog grows up, it is necessary to introduce an exercise routine slowly. To begin with, these should be short walks that will extend over time.
We all know how important it is how often we walk our dogs. In this way, the dog not only exercises, but also socializes with other dogs, and forms a deeper connection with its owner.
In addition to walking, it is also desirable to have play sessions with your puppy, as well as involve him in other activities with you and your family members.
6. Neutering/Spaying
As your French Bulldog grows up and becomes sexually mature, you will notice certain changes in its behavior. The most common of these changes are humping and certain aggressive behavior.
Many owners who do not plan for their dogs to reproduce decide to sterilize them. With this procedure, the dog calms down, and its unwanted behavior will probably not disappear completely, but sterilization will significantly reduce it.
According to some beliefs, spaying or neutering the dog too early can cause the dog’s growth to slow down. What is the right age to spay or neuter a dog? This depends on the dog breed and the time the dog becomes sexually mature.
So, even if you notice clear signs that your dog should be neutered, you may want to wait. Your French Bulldog, like any other dog in general, should be fully musculoskeletal developed before undergoing this procedure.
What To Do If My Frenchie Is Overweight?
Obesity can be very dangerous for your French Bulldog. Excess weight can significantly affect the dog’s health, so diseases such as diabetes and heart disease can occur.
Of course, it is always easier to prevent a situation than to solve a problem when it occurs. The first and most important thing is to take care of the frequency of feeding and the number of your dog’s meals.
The feeding schedule is one of the most important routines that a puppy needs to adopt.
How can you even tell if your Frenchie is overweight? If you cannot feel the dog’s ribs under your hand and cannot see the dog’s waist, it is clear that the dog is overweight.
You can easily control minor excess body weight by changing the dog’s diet and increasing physical activity. This increase should be introduced gradually, not suddenly, so as not to shock the dog.
If your dog is seriously overweight, it will be necessary to consult a veterinarian.
If you have recently sterilized your dog, it is possible that their appetite will increase due to hormonal changes. Therefore, in this period, it is necessary to pay special attention to your pet’s diet.
Not only can obesity cause additional health problems in a dog – it can also significantly reduce the lifespan of your Frenchie.
We all like to share our meals with our dogs sometimes, but this should never become a habit. Losing weight can be a long and tiring process, but, you must feed your dog only high-quality dog food. And also, to stay persistent!
What To Do If My Frenchie Is Underweight?
In addition to obesity, it is also possible for a dog to have a below-average body weight, which is also not good at all.
There are various health reasons why a dog would lose weight, such as allergies, gastroenteritis, dental problems, liver disease, and so on. Also, pay attention to other symptoms, such as excessive peeing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
When you explain your dog’s condition to the veterinarian, it will be necessary to tell him all the details, as well as the exact moment when you noticed that your dog’s weight is not in accordance with his age.
Sometimes French Bulldogs can be too thin due to stressful situations. Various circumstances can cause stress in dogs, such as some changes in the house, your absence from home, moving, and so on.
The vet will most likely advise changing the dog’s diet, of course, if he finds that there is no health problem with the dog. In addition, a vet usually prescribes vitamin supplements to help the dog gain weight.
French Bulldog Lifespan & Health Issues
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is estimated at 10 to 12 years.
Unfortunately, some French Bulldogs live even shorter than the average lifespan. Some circumstances are beyond the control of any dog owner, but there is still a lot we can do to ensure our furry friends spend as much time as possible by our side.
This refers to feeding high-quality dog food, regular exercise, annual visits to the veterinarian, and generally ensuring good living conditions for the dog.
There are also certain diseases that French Bulldogs are quite prone to. Let’s see what those diseases are and how they are connected with this dog’s body weight.
1. Brachycephalic Syndrome
If a dog has brachycephalic syndrome, its skull is much shorter compared to other dogs. This causes a narrowed nasal passage and disturbed anatomy of the dog’s pharynx, which causes difficulty in breathing.
In addition to the French Bulldog, some other dogs have this syndrome, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese.
It is very likely that you will notice that your Frenchie is breathing loudly, as well as not being able to take in enough air, especially after exercise. In addition, you may notice that your dog is breathing rapidly and snoring.
When the dog is in a damp place, and during high heat, it is possible that it may even faint.
In some cases, it is necessary to perform an operation, which refers correcting the dog’s nostril opening.
Unfortunately, the brachycephalic syndrome can also cause a dog to be more prone to heatstroke and heart problems. If the dog is obese, this can worsen the symptoms of the brachycephalic syndrome – so this is why it is necessary to keep your Frenchie fit.
2. Intervertebral Disc Disease
Intervertebral disc disease is a herniated disc of the dog’s spinal cord. This disease causes mobility problems for the dog and is quite painful.
The spinal cord is one of the most important organs in the dog’s body. Thanks to the spinal cord, nerve signals from the dog’s brain are transmitted to the rest of the body.
A dog has a disc between the vertebrae of its spinal cord. Intervertebral disc disease occurs when this disc presses the spinal cord.
There are two types of this disease. Type I refers to disc extrusion or herniation, where the disc becomes hard, ruptures, and presses on the dog’s spinal cord. In type II, the disc is bulging, and this type of disease occurs in dogs that have very short limbs.
Symptoms of intervertebral disc disease in dogs are a hunched back, difficulty walking up stairs, and difficulty jumping. This disease occurs more often in older dogs. In severe cases, the disease must be treated with surgery.
If the disease has not progressed significantly, the veterinarian usually advises rest and anti-inflammatory drugs for the dog.
In addition, some dogs will need a change in diet. If the dog is overweight, its weight creates additional pressure on the disc. Therefore, it is clear how vital a proper weight is for the overall health of your French Bulldog.
3. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia refers to the deformity of the hip joint in dogs. This problem is quite common in different breeds of dogs: although it is associated with large dogs, it also occurs in smaller dogs.
For the dog’s hip joint to function normally, the cup of the pelvic bone and the head of the femur must develop simultaneously. If these two bony parts do not fit properly, hip dysplasia occurs.
Hip dysplasia occurs during the dog’s growing period. The dog will become less mobile over time if the disease is not treated.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary. However, its occurrence is also influenced by some factors, such as being overweight, poor nutrition, and excessive growth rate.
If your French Bulldog is overweight, his joints will be additionally stressed. This can cause hip dysplasia, and if the dog is genetically predisposed to developing this disease, obesity can make the disease worse.
Therefore, to prevent hip dysplasia, it is necessary that your Frenchie has a balanced diet and exercises enough – neither too much nor too little. So, a French Bulldog growth chart can be handy for you to determine if your dog’s weight is appropriate for its age.
FAQs
The French Bulldog’s weight varies and not all these dogs weigh the same when they grow up. There is no way to predict exactly how much our Frenchie will grow.
As we have seen, additional environmental factors can affect a dog’s growth and development.
However, there is still something that can serve us as a sort of landmark.
By observing the parents of the French Bulldog, we can get an idea how our Frenchie will look when he grows up. Genetics is one of the main determinants of a dog’s weight and height.
See Also: Mini French Bulldog And Why Should You Get One
A male 4-month old French Bulldog should weigh between 12 and 16 pounds. Female Frenchies are usually slightly lighter and they weigh between 10 and 15 pounds at this age.
If your French Bulldog is around 4 months old, and its weight is not within this recommended range, do not panic immediately. Your puppy is still developing and will continue to grow for several months.
Of course, its weight must stay within the recommended values.
The average weight of an adult, fully grown French Bulldog ranges from 17 to 28 pounds. The range is larger because there are differences between female and male Frenchies.
Adult females usually weigh between 17 and 24 pounds, while males are slightly heavier, and their average weight ranges from 20 to 28 pounds.
Final Verdict
The growth rate is different for every dog, and even dogs of the same breed can vary in weight and height. However, every dog owner should know how much their dog should grow to adulthood.
Therefore, this French Bulldog growth chart can serve as a guide in making sure that your puppy is progressing well and that this progress is in line with its age. Minor variations in weight do not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the puppy.
As we have seen, French Bulldogs vary in weight, so some will be heavier than others. If you want to know how much your Frenchie should weigh when he grows up, you can get an estimate by observing your puppy’s parents.
Genetics has an important role, but additional factors such as diet, exercise, and general health affect a dog’s growth.
Every dog owner should ensure quality living conditions so that his puppy grows up to be a healthy and happy dog. For all other questions and doubts – your veterinarian is always there to help!
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